From business park to thriving Sydney community: the continuing evolution of Norwest
With an emphasis on sustainable living, the new Norwest Quarter masterplan is already attracting attention
4 min
There are many aspects that attract potential homeowners and investors in the apartment sector. For some, it’s about potential for capital growth and yield on their property. For most, though, it’s all about location.
For the longest time, Norwest in Sydney’s Hills District was best known as a business park bordering the neighbouring suburbs of Kellyville, Castle Hill and Baulkham Hills. In recent years, however, it has become home to a thriving community attracting a diverse group of residents across a range of demographics. Scratch the surface and it’s not hard to see why.
In addition to the business park, which continues to provide significant employment opportunities, the suburb is well serviced by schools and shopping precincts. With public transport links including Norwest Metro Station and bus services offering connection to the rest of Greater Sydney — part of a $9 billion investment in infrastructure — it’s no surprise that the Norwest apartment market has experienced strong growth over the past three years. This has been fuelled in part by projected population growth, with Transport NSW forecasting an average increase of 1.3 percent between now and 2037. The result is an additional 5,400 dwellings will be required over the next 15 years.
As demand for housing continues to exceed supply, prices are already on the move.
The median unit price in Norwest has increased by 6.3 percent per annum over the past 10 years and median sales price went up 8.7 percent in the past 12 months across 328 settled transactions. For prepared buyers and investors, opportunities to buy into the area should be seized upon.
Property developer Mulpha has been ahead of the curve in Norwest, with more than 30 years in the area spent developing the $2.5 billion commercial, retail and residential estate.
The release of its ground-breaking Norwest Quarter development is now poised to set a new standard for residential development in the Hills District, with a focus on liveability and sustainability.
Significantly, the mixed used development will provide housing for more than 2,000 residents across eight residential towers containing 864 apartments. Stage 1 has been designed by award-winning architectural firm Bates Smart and Smart Design Studio in consultation with environmental sustainability firm Finding Infinity and urban heat researchers at Western Sydney University. The development will not only aim to achieve carbon zero status, it will be a pleasure for residents to live in as well. Residential amenities will include EV charging points and community gardens with 70 percent of the 3.8ha site dedicated to open green space. The all-electric fit out of apartments will be off set by rooftop solar panels.
Beyond the residential design, Norwest Quarter will provide 6000sqm of space for cafes, restaurants, shops and services — everything that makes for vibrant, thriving neighbourhoods. And what makes good sense for residents makes a sound choice for investors.
Mulpha’s Head of Development, Tim Spencer said the demand for quality apartments in Norwest reflects a change in mindset in how people view apartment living.
“The demand for quality apartments will continue to grow not just due to relative affordability but also the lifestyle benefits,” he said.
“These include being able to live in a great location close to transport connections, education and public amenities, parks and recreational facilities, all within a vibrant community.
“This is increasingly appealing to a broad range of people from singles, couples and families, to empty nesters who want convenience and community. With people enjoying busy and active lifestyles through all stages of life, many people don’t want the responsibility, time commitment and cost of maintaining a house and garden.
“Of course, the most important consideration with buying any apartment is the quality of design and construction, by a developer with a strong track record and commitment to the area who stand behind their product.”
Norwest apartment purchaser, retired professor Lindsay Wasson, agrees. Having recently sold an apartment he owned with his wife at Norwest Lake — in Mulpha’s Watermark building — the couple have just bought a north-facing apartment in Norwest Quarter with full-length balcony.
“The apartment we have bought in Norwest Quarter is all-electric with double glazing, solar roof panels, high-rating insulation, water and energy efficiency, EV charging in car spaces and the list goes on,” Mr Wasson said.
“Combine these great elements (earning a NatHERS rating of 7.8) with Mulpha’s outstanding build quality, and the confidence we have in the company, buying into Norwest Quarter is probably the best decision we have ever made.”
Mr Wasson said he and his wife are confident they’ve made a sound choice.
“We are excited by the development and absolutely relaxed about the purchase,” he said. “We know we are buying from a quality developer who has earned our trust over many years. While this purchase is not for investment purposes, we also know that this future-proof building can only increase in value as an exemplar of design excellence and high-level sustainability.”
For more information, visit norwestquarter.com.au
This stylish family home combines a classic palette and finishes with a flexible floorplan
Just 55 minutes from Sydney, make this your creative getaway located in the majestic Hawkesbury region.
Whimsy Farm is a playful period estate positioned in Byron Bay’s picturesque hinterland.
3 min
Tucked away in Byron Bay’s coveted hinterland, Whimsy Farm is a traditional rural homestead surrounded by more than 16ha of lush fertile grounds with equestrian facilities and a host of whimsical additions including a fairytale-inspired maze.
Just listed with Sotheby’s International Realty Byron Bay, agents Denzil Lloyd and Will Phillips are running an expressions of interest campaign on the glamorous getaway with a price guide of $5.25 million to $5.75 million.
The romantic estate in Federal, 25 kms from Byron Bay dates back more than a century, but has been meticulously renovated by its current owners to attain modern day dream home status.
Back in 2016, the enviable property even featured on Foxtel’s short-lived reality TV show I Own Australia’s Best Home. The picturesque parcel has also been appreciated by location scouts and has appeared in a long list of fashion brand and magazine shoots such as Country Style and Queensland Homes.
Owner Melinda Boundy, founder of boutique interiors firm Melinda Boundy Design, was instrumental in reviving the historic Federal homestead. She has described the rural property as a “a respite from the world” where she and her husband have raised their two sons over the past decade.
“I brought my boys down 10 years ago to nurture their creativity, their boyhood,” Boundy said in a recent Instagram post announcing the impending sale.
“We found our farm with its double-storey treehouse and 40 acres the perfect place for two young boys to thrive.”
In addition to hiring out the estate for formal events, Boundy said the family had celebrated several milestones at the address.
“Many parties, sleepovers, friends staying and events have been held [here]. It has seen the filming of a TV show or two, music videos, location shoots and weddings,” she added.
“Now it’s time to pass the baton to another family to share the magic and wonderment of this beautiful compound.”
Lloyd agreed that the listing is a magical estate, ripe for the picking.
“It’s a wonderland. There’s the maze, but it’s also got the treehouse, teepee, dams, beautiful established veggie gardens and it’s perfect for those who love horse riding,” Mr Lloyd said.
“It really is an oasis with plenty of classical charm as well. It’s not an ostentatious home; it’s an original Queenslander from 1910.”
Living up to its storybook name, Whimsy Farm is home to a preserved traditional Queenslander residence with five bedrooms, plus a freestanding guest cottage. There is also a separate pool house and a combined shed or office on site, all capturing scenic hinterland views.
The main single-storey residence has a choice of entertaining spaces inside and out as well as bedrooms opening to private alfresco areas. A grand kitchen and the large living room both open to a vast terrace and pool area.
In the primary bedrooms suite there is a bay window overlooking the natural surrounds, an ensuite with double vanities, and out on the covered deck an outdoor bathtub is an idyllic spot for soaking under the stars.
The playful property has also operated as a holiday rental and offers up unique bonus features including a solar-heated semi circle pool, a double-storey treehouse, a teepee, horse stables, paddocks and a an Olympic-sized dressage arena.
A true tree change destination, the Federal address is home to 10 acres of regenerated forest, eight water tanks, two lagoons, extensive raised veggie gardens and a citrus orchard.
It is conveniently located a scenic 30-minute drive to Byron Bay and 20 minutes to Bangalow.
Whimsy Farm at 711 Federal Dr, Federal is listed through Sotheby’s International Realty Byron Bay through an expressions of interest campaign closing February 20, 5pm.
This stylish family home combines a classic palette and finishes with a flexible floorplan
Just 55 minutes from Sydney, make this your creative getaway located in the majestic Hawkesbury region.
